USTA Told Top Ranked Junior Tennis Player She Wasn't Slim Enough To Play At The U.S. Open

Taylor Townsend is 16 years old and the number one ranked female
junior tennis player in the world. Townsend won the junior
Australian Open singles and the junior Wimbledon doubles and she
is currently dominating at the junior U.S. Open.

"Our concern is her long-term health, number one, and her
long-term development as a player," said Patrick McEnroe, the
general manager of the USTA's player development program. "We
have one goal in mind: For her to be playing in [Arthur Ashe
Stadium] in the main draw and competing for major titles when
it's time. That's how we make every decision, based on that."

But why should the fact that Townsend isn't super slim affect
whether or not she can play in a tournament?

Former number one tennis player Mats Wilander told Perotta being
a great tennis player is not about looking thin:

"You have to be fit underneath, I don't think you necessarily
have to look ripped. Smart players can get away with being a
little tired."

As for her future, McEnroe says his development team has still
not cleared Townsend for play.